About Dinah & The Dogs
Meet Dinah
Hi, I'm Dinah, founder and lead trainer of Dinah & The Dogs.
My journey with dogs began in 2017 when I discovered a passion for understanding canine behavior and how training can strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. What started as a personal interest quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to helping dogs and the people who love them succeed together.
Over the years, I've worked with dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments, from energetic puppies learning their first skills to dogs struggling with fear, reactivity, and behavior challenges. My areas of focus are service dog training and behavior modification, where I combine practical training methods with a deep understanding of both canine and human behavior.
In 2022, my perspective on dog training changed forever when I became disabled and began training my own service dog. Experiencing firsthand the life-changing impact a well-trained service dog can have deepened my passion for this work and strengthened my commitment to helping others achieve the same freedom, confidence, and independence.
My approach to training is rooted in patience, clear communication, and individualized support. Every dog is different, and every family has unique goals. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, I focus on creating training plans that are realistic, effective, and tailored to each dog's needs.
Beyond dog training, I am completing my Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Communications, which allows me to better understand learning, behavior, motivation, and the human-animal bond. I believe education never stops, and I am continually expanding my knowledge through professional development, mentorship, and hands-on experience.
At Dinah & The Dogs, training is about more than obedience. It's about building trust, creating confidence, and helping both dogs and their handlers live fuller, happier lives together. Whether you're looking for help with behavior challenges, obedience training, or a future service dog, my goal is to provide guidance, support, and results that last long after training is complete.
Education & Certifications
- Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- AAAA Vetted Trainer
- Professional Dog Trainer Program — Dunbar Academy
- Solve Behavior Problems Program — Dunbar Academy
- Reactive to Neutral — Tom Davis
- E-Collar Introduction — Tom Davis
- Kick Start Course — Tom Davis
- Service Dogs for EDS/HEDS — Feywild
- Heart Rate Alert Training — Feywild
- Mobility Foundations — Feywild
- Not Just Snuggles, But Science — Feywild
- Various continuing education seminars and workshops
- Nearly 8 years of hands-on training experience
Meet Emily
I help manage our social media, create educational content, conduct research, and support various projects behind the scenes. From researching service dog prospects and breeders to helping share valuable training information with our community, I enjoy helping our team grow and serve clients better.
I also assist with service dog training and handling when needed. My favorite part of this work is helping educate others while being part of a team that is passionate about improving the lives of dogs and their handlers.
Meet Tey
Tey has a passion for building confident dogs and confident handlers. She believes successful training comes from understanding each dog's individual needs and creating clear, consistent communication. Through ongoing professional education, mentorship, and extensive hands-on experience, Tey continues to refine her skills while helping clients achieve lasting results. Her thoughtful, ethical approach emphasizes relationship building, problem-solving, and creating training plans that set both dogs and their people up for success.
Meet Evelyn
Inspired by training her own service dog in training, Evelyn developed a passion for helping dogs become confident, reliable working partners for the people who depend on them.
Through mentorship, real-world client experience, and continued education, she is building a strong foundation in service dog training, training mechanics, canine behavior, and ethical, relationship-based methods. Evelyn is committed to learning the "why" behind every training decision, ensuring each dog receives clear, thoughtful, and consistent guidance as she grows into her role as a professional trainer.
Mildred (Millie)
Millie joined our family in 2018 after being found as a stray outside a shelter. We knew right away she was meant to come home with us. She is half Husky, Blue Heeler, and a tiny bit of American Pit Bull. She brings a big personality in a small package. At home, Millie serves as a psychiatric service dog, taking her role to heart. She’s sassy, energetic, and happiest when she has a job to do.
Gustavo (Gus)
Gus joined our family in 2023 with the goal of becoming a medical alert and mobility service dog. Weighing in at over 100 pounds, this Newfoundland–Poodle mix is truly a gentle giant. Despite his size, Gus is the biggest baby you’ll ever meet — he loves being included in everything and radiates pure joy just by being himself. Fun fact: his favorite color is pink, which perfectly complements his rich chocolate-colored coat.
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Dublin
Dublin is Emily's current Service Dog. She joined her family in 2021 to become a psychiatric service dog. Emily served in the United States Air Force for over 10 years! Dublin is an incredibly sweet but also serious girl who loves spending her days cuddling with her mom and "staring into her soul". Dublin loves to play fetch with her favorite pink wiffle ball!
Moira
Moira is a show-line Golden Retriever being raised and trained as Emily’s future service dog. She is incredibly sweet-natured and has never met a stranger — she truly loves everyone and everything she encounters. One of her most charming traits is how politely she sits to ask for attention and pets, always showing off her gentle temperament and excellent manners.
Tacoma
Tacoma is Tey's Mobility and Medical Alert Service Dog! With his steady temperament, gentle nature, and happy-go-lucky personality, Tacoma is the kind of dog everyone instantly falls in love with. He brings a calm, grounding presence wherever he goes and is always ready to work or offer a quiet moment of support when it’s needed most. He is also SO cute and loves to work hard for his mom!
Nova
This eight-month-old chocolate Labrador Retriever has a fun-loving personality, a heart of gold, and a genuine love for learning. Always ready for her next adventure, Nova is growing into a confident, reliable working dog while helping Evelyn learn alongside her. She adores people, is always excited to train, and never turns down the chance to earn a reward. With her sweet nature and eagerness to please, Nova is quickly becoming the kind of service dog everyone loves to meet.